Is there only one type of legal relationship that may exist between an Owner and the CM?

The answer indicating that there can be multiple types of legal relationships between an Owner and a Construction Manager (CM) is correct because the nature of these relationships can vary widely depending on the specific terms of the contract, the project requirements, and the parties involved.

Common arrangements include at-risk contracts, where the CM takes on certain risks associated with the project's budget and schedule, and agency contracts, where the CM acts on behalf of the Owner without taking on project risk. There can also be variations like construction management by negotiation, or the use of design-bid-build versus design-build methodologies, which influence the legal dynamics.

These variations stem from the fact that construction projects can differ significantly in scope, complexity, and organizational structure. As such, the contractual relationship is negotiable and can be tailored to best meet the needs of the Owner and the objectives of the project. The existence of multiple relationship types reflects the adaptability of construction management practices in responding to diverse project demands.